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The defending national champion Jacksonville Giants have announced that their former Assistant Coach, Jerry “Mouse” Williams, will be taking over the head coaching position as the team heads into their seventh season in the American Basketball Association (ABA).  The news comes several months after former Giants’ Head Coach, Kevin Waters, announced his resignation to pursue other opportunities.

With nearly a dozen resumes from coaches around the country, ranging from Division I college coaches to those with professional experience in the U.S. and abroad, the Giants decided to employ from within.  “Williams has been with the Giants since our first season and he has demonstrated his commitment to the organization.  I think he has earned this opportunity” said Giants’ General Manager, Pam Masters.  Between his professional playing experience in the U.S. and Europe, and his coaching experience, Williams has the knowledge of the game to continue the Giants winning ways.

When asked about the hiring of Williams, team owner Ron Sholes said “we had a lot of candidates but I think it came down to who and what we knew.  With Jerry Williams, we know what we’re getting.  He’s from right here [in Jacksonville] and he and his family are dedicated to this community.  He is a “Giant” as much as anyone I know and he’s a hard worker.  He’s a leader.  He’s someone who has helped build our winning organization and he knows our system.  I’m confident that he will do a great job in helping us continue our winning ways, both on and off the court.”

Williams was born in New Jersey and moved to Jacksonville with his family as a teenager. His brother, Rashean Mathis, played professional football for the Jacksonville Jaguars.  As a student at Englewood High School, Jerry was a basketball and football standout himself, earning a scholarship to play both sports at South Carolina State University. Following a transfer to the University of Cumberland, he earned a business degree and then decided to pursue a career in professional basketball overseas where he would ultimately earn league MVP honors.   Upon returning to the U.S., Williams played for the city’s former ABA team, the Jacksonville Jam (2006-07).  On February 16, 2013, Jerry was inducted into the University of Cumberland Hall of Fame!

The Giants start their season in late November on the road and return to Jacksonville for their home opener on Saturday night, December 3rd, at the Veterans Memorial arena.  They will face another former Giants assistant coach and division rival South Florida Gold in what will be a 2016 championship semi-finals rematch.

For More information contact Pamela Masters, General Manager for the Jacksonville Giants at (904) 355-6531.